5 Endangered Destinations and the Best Ways to See Them

These off-the-beaten path locales, which the Global Heritage Fund is working to preserve and protect, are unspoiled by tourists—for now.

If you’re yearning to visit an off-the-beaten-path location—somewhere unsullied by outsiders and touristy souvenir shops—let the Global Heritage Fund (GHF) be your guide. In honor of World Heritage Day, which took place April 18, the fund released a list of five endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe, Asia and South America that it’s working to preserve. To see these sites for yourself, plan a trip using our tips on where to go and what to do. (One big “do”: Make sure you’re being a responsible traveler—often, unfettered tourism is one of the biggest threats facing these spots.)

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), Colombia

What it is: These ancient jungle ruins include more than two hundred structures (such as staircases and wide stone platforms) built by the Tairona people from the 8th to the 14th centuries. In order to preserve the archeological treasures, GHF is helping locals develop environmental education programs, and is working to lessen tourism’s impact on the area.

WHERE TO GO: The city is hidden in the middle of the Colombian jungle, a few days hike from Santa Marta, the country’s oldest colonial town. Wiwa Tour, the only agency in Santa Marta that’s owned by indigenous peoples, offers 4–6 day treks through the area.

The Minority Villages of Guizhou, China

What it is: Guizhou, terraced with lush rice paddies and dotted with elaborate wooden structures and stupas, is China’s poorest province. But modernization is coming, and villages that have maintained ancient traditions are threatened by increasing industrial activity. To combat the disappearance of these old ways of life, GHF is promoting sustainable tourism to increase revenue, along with educational programs aimed at preserving traditional arts and crafts, architecture, and culture.

WHERE TO GO: Drive three hours from Guiyang City until you reach Dali, a charming village. As you pass through rolling mountains, stop along the way and buy crafts (such as hand-made paper) made by the Dong, Buyi, and Miao people. The Indigo Lodge in nearby Zhaoxing, a beautiful Dong village, offers simple accommodations in a traditional setting.

Göbekli Tepe, Turkey

What it is: Built more than 10,000 years ago, this strange collection of stone pillars in the Southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey is allegedly the oldest place of worship in the world—even older than Stonehenge. To date, only a small percentage of the site has been thoroughly examined. But environmental factors, as well as the threat of looting, are a constant threat to these ruins. GHF hopes that by increasing tourism to the site, travelers will spread the word about its beauty, with increased visibility leading to a plan of action for preservation.

WHERE TO GO: Fly into Sanliurfa, where Nomad Tours will arrange homestays with local families. The Manici Hotel offers lushly appointed rooms kitted out with traditional Turkish décor, and modern amenities like Wi-Fi and satellite TV.

Mirador, Guatemala

What it is: You’ve heard of Peru’s Machu Picchu, right? This is Guatemala’s answer, home to the earliest Preclassic Maya archaeological sites in Mesoamerica. It also boasts one of the world’s largest pyramids, a majestic edifice entangled by lush jungle. Unfortunately, a growing ranching industry (spurred by drug trafficking) has wiped out huge swaths of jungle nearby, as have looting and poaching. GHF is working on community development and has helped train hundreds of local families and workers in sustainable tourism practices, with the hope of protecting the area.

WHERE TO GO:Trekking to the site half the fun: You can book the two-day sojourn (on foot or by mule) from the Ni’tun Private Reserve, on the shores of Lake Petén Itzá in nearby Flores.

Carpathian Villages of Romania

What it is: Go back in time to Medieval Europe at these traditional Transylvanian hideouts. The region’s seven fortress towns (or Siebenbürgen), built by Saxons in the 12th century, emerged unscathed from the Socialist era and have since been restored to their former elegance. But their existence is currently threatened by modern developments. To help save the region’s culture, GHF is documenting its architecture, educating the public, and reviving traditional building crafts.

WHERE TO GO: The former Machine House of the Zabola Estate, located close to the Carpathian Mountains offers rooms that are outfitted in plush, comfortable trimmings. For a more rustic jaunt, there’s the Ursita Inn, a restored farmhouse in Rosia Montana, where you can swim in mountain streams and chill with shepherds in the village.